Co-Pyrolysis Characteristics of Raw/Torrefied Corn Stalk and Oil Shale

Abstract

Biomass torrefaction followed by co-pyrolysis with oil shale is of great potential in further upgrading of bio-oil. Therefore, a comparative analysis of oil shale co-pyrolysis with raw corn stalk and torrefied corn stalk was carried out by thermogravimetric and tube furnace experiments. Compared with raw corn stalk, torrefied corn stalk co-pyrolysis with oil shale has a stronger promoting effect on thermal weight-loss and oil yield due to the enhanced decomposition of lignin. The promotion of raw corn stalk on oil shale decomposition was reflected in the increment of the relative content of long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons in oil, which led to an increment of heavy oil proportion. While the relative content of short-chain aromatic hydrocarbons in oil was increased during co-pyrolysis of torrefied corn stalk and oil shale, leading to an increment of light oil proportion. 50% was the best blending ratio of oil shale for raw/torrefied corn stalk considering the distribution of pyrolysis products.

Keywords: Co-pyrolysis, Torrefaction, Corn stalk, Oil shale